Bhubaneswar: Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district will reopen for tourists from August 1, informed the Rajnagar Forest Division Officer.
According to reports, the park remained closed from May 1 to July 31 due to the crocodile breeding season. During these months, female saltwater crocodiles turn aggressive while guarding their nests along the creeks and riverbanks. To avoid any untoward incidents and to protect both wildlife and visitors, the forest department restricts entry into the park during this period. With the breeding season coming to an end on July 31, all tourist facilities including boat services, watch towers and entry gates will resume normal operations from Friday.
It is pertinent to mention that Bhitarkanika is one of Odisha’s major eco-tourism destinations and attracts thousands of visitors each year to see its mangroves, wildlife and crocodiles.
Meanwhile, the forest department has completed the annual crocodile nest census in the Bhitarkanika waterways.
According to the latest survey, a total of 117 saltwater crocodile nests have been identified across the sanctuary. The highest numbers of nests were recorded in Kanika Range with 106 nests.
According to officials, the healthy number of nests indicates a stable breeding population of the endangered saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika, which is home to one of the largest congregations of the species in the country.
